Md. 'millionaire's tax' debate is back
From: feeds.stateline.org
"TODAY'S TAKE: A headline in this morning's Baltimore Sun -- 'Maryland lost nearly 30% of millionaires last year' -- is sure to revive a debate over the higher tax rates that Free State legislators imposed on millionaires in 2008. At least eight other states this year followed Maryland's lead and raised income taxes on the wealthy.
"
OH: Home sales surge in Ohio, nationwide in October
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CLEVELAND -- Sales of new and previously owned homes in Ohio rose 3.6 percent from September to October, according to a Monday report from the Ohio Association of Realtors.
"
AK: Jobless rate climbs with end of summer
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Alaska's unemployment rate rose in October to 8.9 percent, but remained significantly below the U.S. rate, according to the latest Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development figures released last week.
"
AL: Ronnie Gilley builds Country Crossing, becomes leading critic of anti-gambling politicians
From: feeds.stateline.org
"DOTHAN, Ala. -- Ronnie Gilley is a business-minded, lifelong Republican who voted for Bob Riley in the last two gubernatorial elections. But over the past year, he has become one of the most vocal opponents of Riley and other anti-gambling Republicans in the state.
"
AL: Bentley offers plan to fix job woes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"While on a "fact-finding tour" of Huntsville Monday - which included visits to media outlets and a Prepaid Affordable College Tuition meeting - Bentley said even the state's most emerging economic hub is hurting. In his jobs plan, which he plans to unveil in the next few weeks,
"
AL: State employees can be thankful for extra paid holiday this week
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Bob Riley will again close down state operations on Friday and give state employees a four-day weekend. While reports estimate that those in the private sector average eight holidays a year, the extra Friday holiday will bring the number of those given to state workers up to 14.
"
AL: Baldwin County DHR director retires, interim appointed
From: feeds.stateline.org
"ROBERTSDALE, Ala. -- After 30 years in the Alabama Department of Human Resources -- the last five as director in Baldwin County -- Rene' Mills Massey retired at the start of November and state field administrator Latonya Wells took over as interim head of the office.
"
AR: Ark. farmers detail crop losses from flooding
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Arkansas farmers say that a record amount of rainfall and flooding this year has put a strain on their crops and their infrastructure.
"
AZ: Justice Department to focus on mortgage fraud in Arizona
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Arizona's new U.S. attorney, Dennis Burke, says an epidemic of mortgage-fraud cases is prompting the Department of Justice to intensify its crackdown in the state.
"
CA: California's stimulus job totals raise concern
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The number of public safety jobs created or saved with federal stimulus dollars has been vastly overstated in California, according to the state auditor.
"
CA: California gaming tribes top campaign donors
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A handful of wealthy California gaming tribes - which together gave nearly $130 million to political causes in 2008 - rank as the nation's largest special-interest donors to campaigns, according to a study released Monday.
"
CA: What are the largest sources of global warming emissions in California? The list is out
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state Air Resources Board last week finished tallying and made public the list of the largest greenhouse gas emitters in the state, and two East Bay refineries sit atop the list.
"
CA: State legislators' per-diem payments shrinking
From: feeds.stateline.org
"That thud you hear is legislative per diem dropping.
"
CA: State's debt burden climbs higher
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Before the economy went bust, California voters authorized multibillion-dollar charges on the state's infrastructure credit card.
"
CO: Colorado ethics panel clarifies gift-ban questions
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Colorado lawmakers can go on tours paid by corporations as long as the costs don't exceed $50, the state's Independent Ethics Commission said in an opinion Monday.
"
CO: Xcel removes exec perks from rate request
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A night in the luxury Prince de Galles Hotel in Paris. Dinner at Frasca in Boulder. A round of golf at the Inverness Hotel and Golf Course. Seats at a Colorado Avalanche game.
"
CO: Tougher times prompt more Coloradans to step up for unclaimed property
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Colorado's cache of unclaimed property — money and valuables that people have long forgotten or that simply bypassed them — has become a popular hunting place in these tough economic times.
"
CO: It's game on in Colorado governor's race
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The 2010 race for governor was joined Monday as Republicans released a four-page conservative agenda and Democratic Gov. Bill Ritter responded with a feisty defense of his three-year record.
"
CT: Rell internal memo -- State still holding the line on the budget; Freeze all non-essential spending, purchases
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Despite raising taxes and holding the line on spending, the state is still facing a huge budget deficit for the current fiscal year.
"
CT: Tribes teeter on financial brink
From: feeds.stateline.org
"After making and spending billions over the last decade, the Mohegans and their nearby neighbors, the Mashantucket Pequot Indians, are teetering on the brink of a financial meltdown.
"
CT: Blumenthal says Florida mortgage rescue firm scammed homeowners
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Connecticut's attorney general is suing a Florida mortgage rescue firm for allegedly defrauding at least seven consumers and failing to help them save their homes from foreclosure.
"
DE: NCCo overwhelmed by applications for aid
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New Castle County has been deluged with more than 500 phone calls in the past few weeks from residents seeking emergency rent and utility assistance, prompting officials on Monday to stop taking applications for the stimulus-funded grants.
"
DE: Sales surge gives life to housing market
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Sales of existing homes soared across most of the country in October, boosted by a rush to cash in on an $8,000 federal tax credit for some buyers. But the 10 percent national gain in sales swooped past most of Delaware, where strengthening prices stymied sales, leading to slight declines in two of the state's three counties.
"
DE: DHSS -- Services may be reduced
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A no-growth budget proposal from the Department of Health and Social Services, Delaware's largest state agency, could mean cuts to services at a time of growing demand.
"
FL: Landowners on Florida beaches fighting to be sand owners, too
From: feeds.stateline.org
"DESTIN, Fla. -- The sugar-white sand that stretches from Slade and Nancy Lindsay's deck to the clear, green waters of the Gulf of Mexico is some of the finest in the world. Tiny, uniformly shaped quartz crystals make the beach that stretches along the Florida Panhandle unique, experts say. So what could be wrong with creating more of it?
"
FL: Lawmakers are wary of oily beaches
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Even if offshore oil drilling produces thousands of jobs, promises energy independence and generates hundreds of millions in new tax revenue for the state, it will be hard for most area lawmakers to accept.
"
FL: Real prize could lie in waters controlled by US government
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The immediate debate in the Legislature is about drilling in waters controlled by the state in the narrow band up to 10.3 miles from the coast.
"
FL: Drilling bill would likely pass House but not Senate
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The push for the Florida Legislature to approve near-shore Gulf Coast drilling in its 2010 session is like oil exploration itself — surveys and projections, expert opinions, test wells to take the political pulse and throwing around plenty of money in search of a gusher that ends in a positive vote.
"
FL: Insurers reducing, eliminating discounts for storm fortifications
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MIAMI -- If you got a discount from your windstorm insurance company for installing shutters and other hurricane protections on your home, you might soon have to give some or all of it back.
"
FL: Tri-Rail fund shortfall could be ended soon
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A special lawmaking session on high-speed and commuter rail inched closer Monday as legislative leaders and the governor said they are ready to tap surplus money in the transportation budget rather than raise taxes on rental cars to help pay for the transit projects.
"
FL: Feds seize more of Scott Rothstein's properties
From: feeds.stateline.org
"FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Attorney Scott Rothstein tapped into millions of dollars from his massive investment scam to cover payroll costs at his expanding Fort Lauderdale law firm, federal authorities said in a court record released Monday.
"
GA: Perdue gets big menu of water choices
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A task force of Georgia political, business and environmentalist leaders Monday gave Gov. Sonny Perdue a huge menu of water supply and conservation options if Lake Lanier is taken away as metro Atlanta's main source of drinking water.
"
GA: Bill takes aim at lottery bonuses
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A top state senator has pre-filed a bill that would force lottery officials to get legislative approval before they hand out bonuses to staffers.
"
HI: Hawaii 10th in card debt
From: feeds.stateline.org
"NEW YORK -- Hawaii credit card users were saddled with an average card debt of $6,002 in the third quarter and posted the steepest percentage increase over the second quarter of any state.
"
HI: Lingle promises thorough review of Honolulu rail project
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Linda Lingle said yesterday that she would not "rubber stamp" the final environmental impact statement on Honolulu's $5.5 billion rail project, promising a thorough review of whether the city adequately explored alternatives and whether the financial plan remains sound given the recession.
"
HI: Parents against cut in child-care funds
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Disabled Maui veteran Robert Glass said a proposal to reduce state child-care subsidies for preschoolers, including his 3-year-old son, is taking away their chance for a bright future.
"
HI: Hawaii auditor urges removal of DBEDT Director Ted Liu
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state auditor, citing "numerous and egregious acts," has recommended that Gov. Linda Lingle remove Ted Liu as director of the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.
"
ID: State enters revived talks on regional jail
From: feeds.stateline.org
"GOODING, Idaho — A regional jail study presented Monday to area sheriffs and county commissioners warned the wait for a new multicounty facility may take several years.
"
IL: 121 recalls of children's products
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state attorney general's office Monday issued a catalog of recalled items to help consumers avoid buying dangerous products.
"
IL: Tax credit, low interest rates give area home sales a boost
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Home sales spiked 33.3 percent in the Chicago metropolitan area in October from a year earlier, the fourth straight month of year-over-year increases, helped by record-low mortgage interest rates and a tax credit incentive that had been close to expiring.
"
IL: Tax credit, low interest rates give area home sales a boost
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Home sales spiked 33.3 percent in the Chicago metropolitan area in October from a year earlier, the fourth straight month of year-over-year increases, helped by record-low mortgage interest rates and a tax credit incentive that had been close to expiring."
IN: Indiana casino owner declares bankruptcy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The company that owns two casinos along Indiana's Lake Michigan shore and others in Mississippi and Colorado declared bankruptcy Monday morning after it failed to reach an agreement with creditor groups, Bloomberg News reported.
"
IN: Tax credit extension fuels a surge in home-buying
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Home sales surged in Indiana and other parts of the Midwest in October and hit their highest level in 21/2 years nationally, as first-time buyers rushed to make use of a tax credit set to expire.
"
KS: Statehouse Live -- More cuts, more problems; Teacher workload discussed
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Mark Parkinson on Monday announced another round of budget cuts that will likely result in more state employee layoffs, unpaid furloughs, crowded classrooms and reduced social services.
"
KS: Regents fear more cuts mean tuition increases
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Kansas Board of Regents fears that there will be a big funding cut to higher education this week when Gov. Mark Parkinson releases his budget-balancing plan and that there will be even more reductions during the 2010 legislative session that starts in January.
"
KS: Budget ax will slash deeper in Kansas
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Mark Parkinson says Kansans can expect larger school classes, more potholes and an increasingly anemic state government after another round of budget reductions that could represent the unkindest cuts yet.
"
KY: New western Ky. highway stretch to open
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MURRAY, Ky. -- A new four-lane section of Kentucky 80 between Coldwater and Murray will open this week.
"
LA: Insurance chief backs homeowners
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon said Monday his office will go after insurance companies that cancel homeowner policies because of tainted drywall.
"
LA: State contracts need stronger monitoring, cost-cutting panel suggests
From: feeds.stateline.org
"NEW ORLEANS, La. -- As the Jindal administration expands outside contracting for government work, a state cost-cutting panel Monday suggested lawmakers should tighten monitoring of the millions of dollars in deals entered into each year
"
LA: Corps could be helping rebuild coast with dredged river sediment, state says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"NEW ORLEANS, La. -- Louisiana officials on Monday asked the secretary of the federal Department of Commerce to mediate the state's dispute with the Army Corps of Engineers over the agency's failure to use most of the sediment it dredges from the lower Mississippi River each year to rebuild wetlands.
"
MA: Convention center aims to double its capacity
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, already the largest building of its kind in New England, would double in size under an expansion plan unveiled yesterday by state officials, eventually becoming a 1-million-square-foot tourism "campus'' on the South Boston Waterfront.
"
MA: Barnstable property values dive
From: feeds.stateline.org
"HYANNIS, Mass. — A drop in property values of more than $1 billion will likely mean a tax increase for many Barnstable homeowners.
"
MA: Battle brews over day-care cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Angry child advocates are blasting the Patrick administration for a budget-slashing move they say could cost thousands of tykes their day care, but the governor's office vowed yesterday kids won't be left out in the cold.
"
MD: Md. lost nearly 30% of millionaires last year
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BALTIMORE -- Maryland's chief tax collector reported that the number of millionaires in the state plunged 30 percent last year to the lowest level in four years and that some wealthy residents might have moved.
"
MD: Legislators to fight closure of Shore mental health facility
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Maryland lawmakers and supporters of Kent County's Upper Shore Community Mental Health Center promised to use the upcoming legislative session to fight the facility's closure by the Board of Public Works.
"
MD: Politics colors budget debate
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Martin O'Malley and members of his administration typically don't say former Republican Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.'s name in public, but the political rival has recently popped up in spirit as a measurement for budget decisions.
"
ME: Michaud tells of talk with Obama on Medicare
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BANGOR, Maine — Medicare payment rates in Maine are the second-lowest in the nation, reimbursing hospitals and physicians somewhere between 20 percent and 30 percent less, on average, than the cost of providing services.
"
ME: Maine home sales continue rise
From: feeds.stateline.org
"SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — Maine real estate agents say sales of single-family homes in the state are up for the fifth consecutive month.
"
ME: Signature battle over tax reform
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Challengers seeking to stop the people's veto of a new tax reform law asked Monday for a list of the 56,107 names the state certified. But the state says no such list exists.
"
ME: Can wind power lift Maine's economy?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BANGOR, Maine -- New England's largest wind power producer broke ground Monday on the second phase of a project near Danforth that local officials hope is another step toward making rural Washington County an energy hub.
"
MI: Book it -- Michigan film tax credit paying off for hotel industry
From: feeds.stateline.org
"While Michigan legislators continue to debate cutting or capping the state's aggressive film industry tax credits, the Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau says industry-related business is booming.
"
MI: State warns consumers of prepaid funeral scams
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth, which oversees the regulation of prepaid funeral services, said that in the last fiscal year -- Oct. 1, 2008, to Sept. 30 -- it received 53 complaints and took disciplinary action against 10 providers.
"
MN: Legislators take a field trip to the Metrodome
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- Like a car owner trying to decide whether to pour more money into the jalopy or to junk the thing for a brand-new model, legislators on Monday roamed the Metrodome to size up the aging stadium and ask some tough questions of the landlords.
"
MN: Minnesota may use private prison in Appleton
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- Minnesota is courting an influx of 1,600 Pennsylvania prison inmates, hoping to save jobs at Prairie Correctional Facility, a private prison in Appleton.
"
MN: Pawlenty won't rule out spending cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"While Gov. Tim Pawlenty expects a new state revenue forecast next week to show more red ink, he said Monday that he doesn't plan to start cutting spending immediately.
"
MO: Nixon pledge to insure every child loses punch
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Jay Nixon ran for office last year on a platform of insuring every child. But as governor, he has resisted a proposal that could immediately cover thousands of Missouri's 108,000 uninsured children.
"
MO: MoDOT reports progress
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The head of the Missouri Department of Transportation gave an upbeat assessment of the state's road system today but predicted a collapse of highway funding by 2014.
"
MO: Mo. competes for $4B in extra education money
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Missouri must be willing to overhaul its education system and develop new teaching methods to compete for more than $4 billion in federal funds, the state's top education and political leaders said Monday.
"
MT: Commissioner says flying recall billboard in Hamilton violated state law
From: feeds.stateline.org
"HAMILTON, Mont. - A Hamilton airplane owner violated state campaign finance law by anonymously flying an electronic billboard message promoting the recall of a Hamilton city councilor in 2006, according to Montana's top political cop.
"
MT: Montana gets grant for grads
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Montana will receive a nearly $1.8 million grant to help more residents to get college degrees.
"
NC: Leaky tanks drain state's money
From: feeds.stateline.org
"North Carolina is struggling to find money to clean up thousands of underground tanks that are leaking gas and oil into the dirt and water.
"
NC: Governor's $260 million in cuts hits roads, schools, disabled hardest
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A fifth round of cuts to state agency budgets hit highway maintenance funds and education hard.
"
NC: State tries to gauge impact of creative industries
From: feeds.stateline.org
"North Carolina's culture mavens are out to show that real jobs flow from creative pursuits like arts, design and new media.
"
NC: State to review ABC board pay
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WILMINGTON, N.C. -- A wide range in pay for local managers of North Carolina's ABC boards and the reluctance of boards to make that information public has drawn the attention of the governor.
"
ND: Holiday travelers will pay more at the pump this weekend
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gas prices in Grand Forks and Fargo, as in most of North Dakota, have been remarkably steady, near national averages now but way above year-ago prices as the Thanksgiving holiday draws extra traffic on the region's roads.
"
ND: Thanksgiving travel expected to be down in Dakotas
From: feeds.stateline.org
"FARGO, N.D. -- The automobile club AAA says Thanksgiving travel is expected to drop in the region that includes the Dakotas.
"
ND: North Dakota tourism grows
From: feeds.stateline.org
"North Dakota was second in the nation in tourism growth over a three-year period, despite the tough economy.
"
ND: North Dakota tourism grows
From: feeds.stateline.org
"North Dakota was second in the nation in tourism growth over a three-year period, despite the tough economy."
NE: Ethanol advocates mark 25 years at Nebraska's first plant
From: feeds.stateline.org
"HASTINGS, Neb. -- A quarter century ago, when the state had one functioning ethanol plant, the man now widely acknowledged as "the godfather of ethanol" in Nebraska made a bold prediction.
"
NH: UNH, faculty contract talks stall
From: feeds.stateline.org
"DURHAM, N.H. – Contract negotiations between the University of New Hampshire and its faculty union are stalled.
"
NH: New law requires fingerprints of child-care workers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Child-care workers will soon need to be fingerprinted for criminal background checks under a new state law that takes effect Jan. 4.
"
NJ: Christie meets with Rendell on economic development
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New Jersey Gov.-elect Christopher J. Christie has been reaching across the aisle to Democrats since Election Day, and yesterday he reached across the Delaware River to one more member of the opposition party: Gov. Rendell.
"
NJ: N.J. group funded by tax dollars also represents private interests
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Taxpayers are subsidizing a private lobbying group — including a six-figure pension for the top employee — even as it sometimes fights proposed laws designed to help bring down the country's highest property taxes.
"
NJ: Stimulus dollars still waiting to be spent
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Millions of dollars in federal stimulus funds awarded to New Jersey months ago for "shovel-ready" county road projects won't be used until next year because of the increased documentation and review the projects now face.
"
NM: HHS releases report on health reform effects on NM
From: feeds.stateline.org
"More than half a million New Mexicans could benefit immediately if health care reform passes Congress and is signed into law by President Barack Obama, according to a report by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
"
NM: No Rail Runner service for Black Friday irks local business owners
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The New Mexico Rail Runner Express won't offer train service this Friday, something local business owners and cultural event organizers are hoping they can change before next year's big shopping day.
"
NM: State fines lab nearly $1 million
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The New Mexico Environment Department levied a $960,000 fine against the Department of Energy and Los Alamos National Laboratory on Monday, alleging the lab is still failing to adequately monitor groundwater for contaminates.
"
NV: Las Vegas' new CityCenter, a big gamble, prepares to open
From: feeds.stateline.org
"LAS VEGAS — Some of the world's top architects and designers have taken a fresh deck of cards and created a Xanadu on the Las Vegas Strip.
"
NV: Former Gov. List -- Health care bill 'so liberal,' will cost Reid
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON -- Former Republican Gov. Robert List said today that the nearly 500,000 uninsured Nevadans do not lack health care because they can receive public hospital and emergency room treatment in the state.
"
NY: Aqueduct racetrack still awaits a decision
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Amid a battered economy and falling tax revenue, Gov. George E. Pataki agreed in October 2001 to a budget deal that authorized electronic slot machines at the Aqueduct racetrack in Queens.
"
NY: Paterson threatens to keep lawmakers in Albany for Thanksgiving holiday
From: feeds.stateline.org
"NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. -- Gov. David A. Paterson said today he would consider keeping the State Legislature in session through Thanksgiving if lawmakers can't agree on a plan to wipe out the state's $3.2 billion deficit.
"
NY: AG received defense cash
From: feeds.stateline.org
"NEW YORK -- State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo's campaign fund took tens of thousands of dollars from law firms representing clients that his office was investigating, records show.
"
NY: Monroe County child services hurt by New York's budget problems
From: feeds.stateline.org
"ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- The state budget crisis, in which lawmakers and Gov. David Paterson have been unable to agree on how to close a midyear budget gap that could exceed $4 billion, is starting to hit Monroe County.
"
NY: Home sales rise slightly as prices slump
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The number of homes sold in the Capital Region rose slightly in October -- an increase entirely caused by a steep increase in sales in Schenectady County.
"
NY: Vermont: Champlain bridge could be sunk before lake freezes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"ADDISON, Vt. -- Vermont Transportation officials say the "chances are good" the deteriorated Lake Champlain bridge could be dropped into the water with explosives before the lake freezes over.
"
NY: Brief sessions, and no agreement
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The day many legislators had hoped would bring an end to negotiation over the state's $3.2 billion deficit ended in much the same way as the days that preceded it: with no agreement, and no apparent expectation of one anytime soon.
"
OH: Labor chief fights using casino fees to fix budget
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The AFL-CIO says it will sue if state leaders try to use $200 million in casino licensing fees to help fill an $851 million shortfall in the state budget.
"
OH: Casino say-so should be local, legislators say
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Some central Ohio lawmakers want to ensure that the region gets a say in how, or whether, a new casino is built Downtown, either by legislation or a new constitutional amendment on the May ballot.
"
OR: Modern-day cattle rustlers hit ranches in southeast Oregon
From: feeds.stateline.org
"JORDAN VALLEY, Ore. -- What makes these thieves unusual, investigators said, is the scale and duration of their operations, their use of horses to reach areas inaccessible to car or truck, and the fact that they sometimes drive their plundered herds for days, carefully sweeping around ranches and people.
"
PA: Rendell hot under collar, TMI 'back to normal'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MIDDLETOWN, Pa. -- Amid renewed criticism from Gov. Rendell for a five-hour delay in telling emergency officials of a weekend radiation incident, Exelon Corp. said its Three Mile Island nuclear plant was "back to normal" yesterday.
"
PA: Stimulus to fund more road projects in region
From: feeds.stateline.org
"PennDOT will fund 33 additional transportation projects with federal economic stimulus money that was saved because of low construction bids on other projects, Gov. Ed Rendell has announced.
"
PA: Tax-exempt fees proposed for Pa.
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Large tax-exempt landowners would have to pay their host cities fees based on the size of their buildings, under legislation that state Sen. Wayne Fontana plans to introduce next week.
"
PA: Teamsters Local 250 wants nonmembers to pay dues again
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Teamsters Local 250 argued Monday that it has jumped through enough hoops to resume collecting partial dues from seven Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission employees who left the union in 2004.
"
PA: Pipe-cutting led to radiation incident at TMI
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MIDDLETOWN, Pa. -- Amid renewed criticism from Gov. Ed Rendell for a five-hour delay in telling emergency officials of a weekend radiation incident, Exelon Corp. said its Three Mile Island nuclear plant was "back to normal" yesterday.
"
PA: Fumo dismissed from Pennsylvania lawsuit against nonprofit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A state Commonwealth Court judge has dismissed former state Sen. Vincent Fumo from a state-filed lawsuit against a nonprofit he founded and allegedly controlled.
"
RI: State deficit plan expected next month
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State government is in "severe economic distress" with this year's projected $219-million budget hole expected to swell to $400 million next year, and $750 million the year after.
"
RI: Insurer executive -- Costs out of control
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The nation's health-care system is broken, but congressional proposals to fix it do not focus enough on controlling spiraling costs, according to the president of one of the nation's largest health insurers.
"
SC: Timing 'stinks' on rate hike, Duke told
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Earl Sammons of Taylors doesn't believe that Duke Energy Corp. should be raising rates during a recession. "The timing stinks," the 72-year-old Sammons said at a public hearing on a proposed rate hike.
"
SD: Dry weather helps South Dakota farmers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"South Dakota farmers are making progress on harvest, but they're still well behind the normal pace because of the wet fall.
"
SD: Fewer S. Dakotans to hit the highway
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The number of South Dakotans who travel 50 miles or more away from home is expected to drop 2.6 percent compared to the previous year, AAA projects.
"
TN: Lawmakers seek delay of workers' comp bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Republican leader in the state House of Representatives has told lawmakers that they may be asked to come back to Nashville next month to delay implementation of a workers' compensation law that he sponsored.
"
TN: UT wins grant for future teachers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The University of Tennessee is launching a new statewide initiative to increase math and science teaching statewide, with the help of a $1.8 million grant.
"
TX: Staff changes at CPS expected
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CPS Energy's board of trustees is expected to announce significant personnel changes today on the heels of an investigation into why high cost estimates for the utility's proposed nuclear project were kept from the board.
"
US: One in four borrowers is under water
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The proportion of U.S. homeowners who owe more on their mortgages than the properties are worth has swelled to about 23%, threatening prospects for a sustained housing recovery.
"
UT: Sexual misconduct not unique to teachers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A recent spate of teachers accused of molesting students might lead some to believe educators are uniquely prone to such behavior.
"
UT: Is a change in climate unstoppable?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"It sounds utterly contrary to what we might think: If we use less energy, civilization will actually increase the emissions blamed for global warming.
"
UT: Utah universities to get $24 million
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With the passage of a federal energy bill, more than $24 million will be heading to Utah colleges and universities.
"
UT: Utah GOP is opposing ethics initiative
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As expected, the Utah Republican Party will oppose a legislative ethics citizens initiative.
"
VA: Kaine doesn't say no to possibility of a tax increase
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Facing a projected budget gap of as much as $3.5 billion, there is no doubt that the two-year spending plan being prepared by Gov. Timothy M. Kaine will include cuts.
"
VA: After college, many struggle with debts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"FREDERICKSBURG, Va. -- The percentage of people who are at least 90 days late on their student loan payments is significantly higher than the percentage of people behind on their mortgage payments, though the latter has received far more media attention.
"
VA: Virginia to buy back 359 crab licenses for $6.7M
From: feeds.stateline.org
"NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- The Virginia Marine Resources Commission will buy back 359 commercial crab licenses as part of an effort to take more than 75,000 crab pots out of the water in an effort to rebuild the species.
"
VA: Residents rally against coal-fired energy plant at meeting
From: feeds.stateline.org
"HAMPTON ROADS, Va. -- More than 50 people spoke Monday night ahead of a vote next month that could pave the way for a tiny town to house a coal-fired power plant - and the vast majority were against the project.
"
VT: Vermont hunger on the rise
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BARRE, Vt. — A federal government report ranking Vermont the sixth hungriest state in the country may come as a surprise to many, but officials say they have seen signs the problem is growing in Vermont.
"
VT: Barre officials upset at comments on train plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Some officials in the town and city of Barre are upset that Montpelier Mayor Mary Hooper discussed publicly a plan to increase the number of trains running through the Capital City.
"
WA: State pays Connell $11 million for prison impact
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CONNELL, Wash. -- The state has paid the city of Connell more than $11 million in impact fees for the expansion of the Coyote Ridge prison in Franklin County.
"
WA: Can honey bees save the state budget? Tax exemptions eyed
From: feeds.stateline.org
"On Monday Gregoire was to meet with the Department of Revenue to review the dozens of tax exemptions the state offers businesses.
"
WI: Rosendale Dairy seeks approval to grow to 8,000 cows
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The operators of a Fond du Lac County dairy farm are asking for state approval to double the size of their herd to 8,000 dairy cows, making it the largest dairy farm in Wisconsin.
"
WV: Dow to donate part of tech park to state
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission plans to take over a significant portion of the South Charleston Technology Park in hopes of bringing jobs to the struggling business campus.
"
WY: Supercomputer will transform Wyo economy, UW trustee says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"University of Wyoming Trustee Dr. Taylor Haynes says the construction of the world's largest computer west of Cheyenne and its resulting effects on UW and the rest of the state "will be the first true diversification of Wyoming's economy."
"
WY: Court limits public access to info
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Next year the Wyoming Supreme Court will require clerks to redact some information in court records before releasing them to the public.
"
WY: Wyoming scores high in well-being
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A recent study found that Wyoming scored high in well-being despite scoring low in some indicators that usually come with well-being.
"
Tax revenue down in at least 44 states
From: feeds.stateline.org
"TODAY'S TAKE: Tax collections declined in the third quarter in the 44 states for which early data are available, according to a report released today (Nov. 23). Even North Dakota -- which has weathered the recession better than most states -- is feeling the effects.
"
Weekly wrap: Forecasting revenue is a lot like predicting the weather these days
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Indiana is mulling changes to how it estimates monthly revenues, while several states are considering mergers and consolidations of government agencies, universities, school districts and more to save money.
"
Economy to sway 2010 gov races
From: feeds.stateline.org
"
 |
The tax hikes that so many states levied to plug holes in their recession-ravaged budgets this year could endanger a few incumbent governors’ careers in 2010 when 37 gubernatorial contests are at stake.
"
Budget insiders see worse ahead in Calif., Mich.
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Two of the states hit hardest by the Great Recession–California and Michigan–are bracing for an even tougher time making ends meet next year, putting big spending cuts or outright elimination of some services on the table, top budget officials from both states said Friday (Nov. 13).
"
Visit the Stateline.org Economy & Business Page
From: feeds.stateline.org
"
"
Proactive tax planning to take advantage of timely tax saving opportunities.
Comprehensive business services that integrate income tax compliance
and planning with investments and insurance choices.
Consulting services that review businesses to find hidden opportunities to
increase wealth accumulation and retention.
Foreign investor tax services.
Individualized accounting system setup for new businesses.
State of the art payroll tax services and sales tax preparation.
Preparation of business and individual tax returns and financial
statements.
Budgeting and projection preparation and monitoring, facilitating the
creation and tracking of events.
Assistance in selection and installation of computer hardware and
software, ongoing monitoring and updating of systems.
